wait ... 13 times?

Today was the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Saucon Valley High School stadium.  My neice Eryn, her son, and I did this climb last year. My nephew is 15 and hates school. But he does have a passion for a career that will give him an adrenaline rush—police/fire/military. That's why I alway invite him to this event.

We signed up and paid early, so we could go later in the morning. After checking in, we waited. It was 16 minutes before opening ceremonies. Then we had to wait for the 9:06 start.

During the opening ceremonies, the firefighter/organizer said that this year the first responders would be doing THIRTEEN rounds. Civilians ELEVEN.

Wait. WTF? Last year it was TEN and I thought I would die. My knees are another year weaker, even after the fitness and yoga in the park. I guess training would help.

Like last year, the first responders went first. They were wearing full gear and carrying axes, flags and crow bars.  As we went they shed gear and civilians picked it up and carried it.

A round was two ups, two downs and a across. Doesn't sound like much but it's brutal.

My nephew did one round and picked up this tank. He carried it for 13 rounds.  I saw his mom around round 7 and she was sitting. "I can't keep up with him." I told her it was easy to keep up with me. She got up and finished.  I'm not keeping up with a 15-year-old.

You should have seen him at the end. He looked like he just got out of a pool. He sat on the ground, and when he went to get up, it was wet. He probably burned 2xs the calories we did. Effortlessly.

Driving him home he was talking about joining the local volunteer fire company.

Miles/Steps: 1.75. Really. That's it. And we were exhausted. I actually took Aleve when I returned home.
Bathrooms:   none used
Wildlife:        none
Weather:      low-70s, very humid, drizzle at start.
Extras:          I turned the AC on #3 driving home. We were cooler, but the car smelled awful.